38% in London fail to have NHS breast checks

The figures emerged in a London Assembly investigation. Today the Assembly warned thousands of lives are at risk because women were not attending mammogram appointments.

Many do not take up free screening because they are frightened they may find out they have breast cancer. Others have had a bad experience at a previous appointment and do not come back.

The report found that 246,951 women in London were invited for screening in 2005/06. But 94,517 - 38 per cent - did not turn up.

Nationally, three quarters of invited women attended their appointments.

The report shows huge disparities between boroughs. Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Tower Hamlets had the lowest take-up while Havering and Bexleyhad the highest. The investigation also found that a third of London NHS trusts were failing to meet treatment targets.

Breast cancer patients should be starting radiotherapy within four weeks of surgery, but many are waiting longer because of a lack of radiotherapy services.

The report comes days before publication of government figures that are expected to provide more evidence that breast cancer screening saves lives. Findings from the NHS Information Centre will also reveal huge national variations in take-up.

Under the NHS programme screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 every three years. From April the lower age limit will fall to 47. The scheme is estimated to save 1,400 lives a year in England.

The Assembly report, entitled Behind The Screen, calls for new measures to increase uptake. These include a campaign to promote screening among at riskgroups, especially black and Asian women.

It also says there should be improved co-ordination of radiotherapy services, and better audits by primary care trusts.

Joanne McCarthy, chairwoman of the Assembly's health and public services committee, said: "More lives could be saved if more women were screened. Early diagnosis is crucial to survival."

Breast cancer charities said the report showed appointments must be more flexible and accessible.

Paul Arengo-Jones, chief executive of Breast Cancer Haven, which counsels patients, said: "We see many who are grateful they took the trouble to be screened. We would really encourage people to take advantage of screening."

Anna Wood of Breast Cancer Care said: "Resources must now be made available so recommendations can be acted upon."